- Definition
Reformers were people in the 1800s who wanted to change how the government in Upper Canada (now Ontario) was run, hoping for a fairer system.
Moderate Reformers like Robert Baldwin argued for responsible government, where the government would have to answer to the elected assembly, not just the British governor.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Reformers are like students who think a school rule is unfair and try to get it changed, some by protesting loudly and others by talking to the principal.
Ask your child: If you could change one rule at school to make it fairer, what would it be?
Common mix-up: Students might think all Reformers were violent rebels. In reality, there were different groups, and the moderates, who wanted change through new laws and discussion, were the ones who ultimately succeeded.
Examples
- Radical Reformers like William Lyon Mackenzie led the Upper Canada Rebellion because they believed armed conflict was the only way to achieve change.
- Reformers published newspapers to criticize the 'Family Compact,' the small group of powerful men who controlled the government.
Reformers is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
